Page 83 of Heir of Fire
“See, that wasn’t so bad. Was it?” Augustus had a grin on his face, having enjoyed the show.
“It was fucking pointless. They couldn’t demand me away from her even if they tried,” Finn said, finally standing. “She’s mine, regardless of what her dumbass brother thinks of me.”
“But now you don’t have to worry about that. They know your intentions with her are good and the relationship could prosper or whatever the fuck happens now.”
They walked up the stairs, back into the main living room where everyone once was. It was empty now, seeming like everyone had gone home for the night or retired to their roomsonce the drama had died down. It was late, Finn was fucking exhausted, and it had been an overly emotional day for him.
“I’m going to shower. Are you hanging around here?” he asked.
Augustus shrugged. “I have someone I could go bother.”
With that, he left Finn standing alone again. His legs felt like lead as he crawled up the stairs making his way into his room, and then finally into the bathroom. He turned the shower on and got in, letting the warm water relax his muscles. Bruises covered several parts of his body already, but they would fade in no time. When he turned his face, he let the water wash away the blood from his nose. It was dried up, but scrubbing slightly managed to get it off.
After the shower, he managed to dry off with a towel and secure it at his hips before he walked to the bed. He fell back on it, closing his eyes for a moment as everything rushed over him.
What a fucking shitshow.
THIRTY-EIGHT
GIANNA
It was laterinto the evening, and Gianna had finally changed into her pajamas and managed to relax somewhat when a knock came at her door. She hoped it was Finn, but instead it was Allister. He wasn’t bloody or bruised, so she could assume that at least nothing graphic happened.
He gave a small smile. “Can I come in?”
She nodded immediately. “Of course.”
He did just that, walking over to her bed and taking a seat on the edge of it. She sat on her vanity chair, turning to face him. It was hard to look at him, to know that he was disappointed in her. Maybe that was what she hated more than anything. The fact that his approval meant everything, more so than her father’s because Allister had always been there for her. If he didn’t approve or if he was disappointed in her, it destroyed her. But if he didn’t like Finn, what did that leave? She didn’t want to choose between them. That was something she just couldn’t do.
“Why didn’t you tell me about the relationship?” he asked, immediately jumping into it.
“Would you have understood it more if I told you a week ago, or two weeks ago, or when it first started?” She shook her head. “I kept it a secret because I had to figure out if this wassomething I actually wanted, if it was worth my life and all these dynamics changing.”
“And can you say it is?”
Gianna couldn’t help the small smile that found her lips. When she thought about the moments she shared with Finn, there was no way they weren’t worth it. Every moment with him was absolutely worth it. Maybe she hadn’t realized it at first, but now, she knew it without a doubt.
“Yes, it is. There’s no doubt in my mind that I want to be with him,” she said.
Allister let out a loud exhale, running a hand down his face. “Fuck my life.”
“Come on, Alli. Don’t be so dramatic. Remember when you guys went to the club and you admitted that you actually enjoyed his company? He’s still that guy,” Gianna said.
“No, he’s not. This time I know he’s dating my sister.”
“He’s a great guy and he makes me happy. You should want me to be happy. I want you to find a nice girl who would make you happy.”
“Of course I want you happy, dummy. I just didn’t think it was Finn Kingsley of all people that would be the person to provide some of that happiness.” He shook his head. “It’s going to take me some time to understand all ofthis.”
She nodded her head. That was understandable. Honestly, she hadn’t expected him to be so approving of it right away. It would take time, but she knew that Finn and Allister would be able to have a great relationship. One day, at least.
“Are we okay?” she asked.
“We always are, Gianna.” He gave her a gentle smile, grabbing her hand and squeezing tightly for a moment. “I just want you to remember you can always come to me. I will never turn you away or make you feel judged. If I have in the past, Isincerely apologize for it. From now on, I’ll do better about being more open so you can come to me.”
This time, she gave him a beaming smile. “It wasn’t about that. It was about not wanting to upset you or disappoint you. You’re the best brother I could have asked for, Allister.”
“And you’re the best sister, even though you cause most of the gray hairs on my head,” he said, standing. “I’m going to bed; it’s been a long day. I suggest you do the same.”
